Ohio Players

Last Tuesday Niki Dakota was joined by Basim Blunt, a Community Voices Producer and the bass player for the Ohio Players, Marshall Jones, to talk about music, Dayton, the Ohio Players and, of course, Leroy Sugarfoot Bonner, the Ohio Players' lead singer who passed away last week.

One week ago, Ohio Players frontman and virtuosos guitarist Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner passed away from cancer. He was 69. Bonner co-wrote and sang lead vocals on the Ohio Players biggest hits; Fire, Love Rollercoaster and Skin Tight. WYSO Community Voices producer Basim Blunt has put together this remembrance for this world famous Dayton musician.

For more information on tribute concerts and memorials being planned to honor the music and legacy of Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, visit the WYSO Boogie Nights page on facebook.

Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner, frontman for the hit-making funk music band the Ohio Players, has died in southwest Ohio. He was 69.

A spokeswoman for a Dayton-area funeral home confirms he died Saturday and says the family has not scheduled any public services yet. There is also a posting about his death on his current band's Facebook page.

The Ohio Players topped music charts in the 1970s with hits such as "Love Rollercoaster," "Fire," "Skin Tight" and "Funky Worm." They were known for their brassy dance music, catchy lyrics and flamboyant outfits.

During the 1970’s, a new genre of music called funk was making its way into the American mainstream and Dayton, Ohio was at the epicenter. Community Voices Producer Basim Blunt says that more funk bands came from Dayton, than any other place in the world. This story is about the world famous funk bands that hailed from the city’s West Side, and one community’s attempt to honor their legacy before the music fades.